The Forerunner 405CX is the evolution of GPS-enabled training. This sleek sport watch tracks your distance, pace and heart rate, then wirelessly sends the data to your PC for later analysis. The 405CX features heart rate-based calorie computation and comes with a second wrist band option suitable for smaller wrists.  The evolution of GPS-enabled training. |  Continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate. Click to enlarge. |  Transfer data to your computer when Forerunner is in range--no cables, no hookups. Click to enlarge. | Watch Results
Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405CX continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate. Each workout is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved. And advanced training features will challenge you to step up your pace--race against Forerunner's Virtual Partner to improve your times, or set up interval workouts without having to circle the track. You can even download recorded courses to compete against previous workouts. To use the watch, simply tap the touch bezel to change screens without fumbling for a button. Track Heart Rate
Forerunner 405CX comes with a flexible, wireless heart rate monitor to help you make the most out of your training. The digital heart rate monitor continuously tracks heart beats per minute and uses your heart rate for advanced calorie computation, so you know how many calories you're burning. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run. Share Workouts Wirelessly
With Forerunner 405CX, you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Send your favorite workout to your friends to try, or compete against someone else's recorded course. Sharing data is easy: just select "transfer" to send your information to a nearby device. Run, Sync, Store and Share
Once you've logged the miles, innovative ANT+ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect or our optional Garmin Training Center software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner. Train Year Round
Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405CX and optional wireless accessories. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when GPS signals are unavailable. The wireless foot pod clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. Or pair your Forerunner with an optional speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts. What's in the Box
Forerunner 405CX, USB ANT stick, Heart rate monitor, Two additional wrist straps, AC charger, Charging clip, Owner's manual on disk, Quick reference guide |
|
 Great watch for running indoors or outdoors |
| Review Date: July 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Stephen M. Charme, Cranford, NJ United States |
After using the Forerunner 305 for over two years, I decided to replace it with the 405cx and am very happy with my decision. But first let me address the main criticism of the 405cx and its predecessor the 405--the bevel and touch system.
Garmin is not Apple, so the bevel and touch are not on par with the scroll wheel on an Ipod or the touch on an iPod Touch--but they still work fine. Granted, if the bevel gets sweaty or I touch it with sweaty fingers (not something unexpected for an exercise watch) it becomes nonresponsive until I wipe off the sweat. But this is not a big deal for me. When I run I simply use auto scroll, which is unaffected by moisture. And if I want to override auto scroll by using a manual touch, it takes only a second to wipe the sweat off the bezel or my fingers. So don't be discouraged from buying this unit based on the bevel and touch.
While the 305 is a great unit, here is why I like the 405cx better. Note: I use this on an Intel powered Macbook running the latest edition of Leopard without any problems.
1. Although the 405cx is as thick as the 305, it is noticeably smaller and lighter.
2. I like the wireless ANT technology that automatically transfers data rather than having to place the unit in a USB cradle as with the 305 (though doing so is not a big deal), and also effortlessly pairs with my heart rate monitor and foot pod (which must be purchased separately).
3. The 305 has no power save mode, and I inadvertently drained the battery a couple of times when I forgot to turn it off after running or put it in the charger. The 405cx not only has an automatic power save mode, but you can turn off the GPS when running indoors to further save power. With the GPS turned off, barely any power is used. Also, this ability to turn the GPS off makes it easier to use the footpod when running indoors (the 305 first has to search for a satellite signal before realizing you are indoors, and that can take several minutes).
4. I find the bevel and touch system on the 405cx much easier to use than the buttons on the 305 in order to change various features. But I like electronic gadgets, and as I said above, the sweat issue is not a big deal for me.
Here are some tips:
1. Rinse the unit, the heart rate monitor and the strap after each use with plain water.
2. Keep the unit in the charging clip after each use to ensure you always have enough power. A simple touch of the bevel will tell you the percentage of power left. The charging clip can be powered via a USB port on your computer or via an electric outlet using an AC adaptor. The included AC adaptor with the 405cx is very clunky; I use the Apple travel charger for the iPod instead. Make sure the charging clip is properly attached to the unit or you will drain the unit instead of charging it (already happened to me).
3. Although the unit lists three training fields, there are actually four if you have the heart rate monitor--by default only the heart rate shows up in the first field, but you can modify that to include two additional data items.
4. Unlike the 305, where you can move forward and backward between data fields, the 405cx lets you move only forward. Therefore, when I run indoors I turn off my "outdoor only" data fields--grade, elevation, etc.--so that I don't waste time looking at them.
5. For a first time purchaser to whom cost is important, I would say get the 305. My reasons for switching to the 305 may not be important to you.
6. Buy the new version of the footpod rather than the old version (I have reviewed both on Amazon) for running indoors.
7. I use a Mac software program called Ascent that I think is far superior to Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center, and unlike the former does not require an internet connection to upload data.
Bottom Line: I have had this unit for three weeks and run over 100 miles both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors in all kinds of weather--light rain, cool nights, and hot humid days. I really like this unit. Due to the bevel and touch issues I would have rated it 4 ½ stars if I could, but since there are no ½ star ratings I gave it 5 stars despite those issues because for me they are negligible compared to the rich features on the 405cx. If you are a serious runner, you will love this unit.
Update July 22, 2009: I have now been using this for about six weeks and logged over 200 miles. In that time I have had the bevel lock up due to sweat only twice: once in the gym and once outside. The point is that this is even less of a problem than I thought, and should not discourage you from buying this unit.
A more serious issue is with the ANT technology. Sometimes I will get a message on my laptop that the transfer of data to the laptop from the 405cx was not successful. I then quit the Garmin Ant Agent on my laptop (and sometimes remove and reinsert the ANT USB stick as well), restart it, and have to go through this process three or four times before the data finally transfers to my laptop. The problem began after I updated the ANT software, and I see from Garmin forums that other users have experienced the same problem. Hopefully this is just a bug that Garmin will fix in a later update. While I would not let this discourage you from buying the 405cx, just keep in mind that a wireless transfer of data, while convenient, is not always problem free.
Update August 21, 2009: Garmin released an update for Macs (and I assume for PCs as well) that solved the download problems using the ANT technology. Now the data transfers work perfectly.
The more I use this watch, the better I like it. Here are my latest comments:
1. The backlight is far superior to that on the Forerunner 305. It produces a much brighter light that I appreciate when running at night either outdoors or on the treadmill at my gym (the treadmill area is kind of dim at night).
2. The battery life is excellent. Even with BOTH the backlight AND the GPS on for a couple of hours, battery capacity is still 75% when I am finished running. What this means as a practical matter is that if you forget to hook this watch up to the charger after a long run, you will still be good to go for your next run. The battery life per charge on the Forerunner 305 is not as good, and sometimes when I forgot to charge the 305 between runs, the battery would die during the second run.
3. The "sweat issue"--i.e. the watch becoming non-responsive when the bevel gets sweaty--has become a non-issue for me since I haven't experienced any problem in months. Perhaps that is because I periodically "towel off" the sweat on my wrist and forearm during a long run.
Update January 9, 2010: I continue to recommend this watch as the best GPS watch for serious runners. Using it this winter has been a pleasure. Here is why:
1. I have run in sub-freezing temperatures where the "real feel" with the wind has been as cold as zero. I keep this watch around the outside sleeve of my running jacket so the GPS function is not impeded (as it would be if the watch was covered up). The bitter cold has had no adverse effect of any kind so far.
2. When I take a break during my run at a local convenience store, the watch does not fog up when I go inside, and after I have warmed up, it does not fog up when I go back outside.
3. I have run in light snow, which I just shake off the watch periodically without any adverse effect (and I did not expect any, since I have run in light rain during warmer weather without any problems).
In short, this watch is performing great during a very cold winter in the Northeast. |
Excellent product
|
| Review Date: October 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Rodrigo R. G. Paula, Brasilia, Brasil |
I have used this watch for 2 weeks now, and I am almost 100 percent satisfied with it.
First of all, it is very easy to use. After 15 minutes I knew how to access most of its features.
The touch bezel works great. Even when it was raining I was able to use it with no trouble at all.
The battery life is not great, but it's ok. It takes about 3 one-hour workouts (5 days) to wear out the battery.
The GPS is not 100 percent accurate, but it is good too. Sometimes the map shows my route as if I had been taking shortcuts through the bushes. I would rate its accuracy as been 8/10. It's my first GPS device though, I don't know if they are all like that.
The heart rate monitor is excellent, much better then my Polar. It's more accurate (doesn't show absurd values like the Polar does sometimes) and it allows you to change the battery instead of having to buy a new one when the battery dies.
Another great thing about this watch is that it allows you to select the data fields that you want to view during your workout. So, you can configure up to 3 sets of data with 3 fields on each one to view during the exercise. You can either change the data sets by touching the bezel or configure the watch to rotate through them.
The data transmission to the computer is very nice, too. You only have to stick the usb receiving device into your computer and it detects the watch and retrieves the data.
So, after all that, I can say that it was a great purchase, and I recommend it for anyone who likes running and gadgets.
|
Awesome
|
| Review Date: October 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Dana Lohnas, Buffalo, NY |
First and foremost, do not expect to be able to just put it on and it will work properly. Like anything that costs a bit more, you have to read the instructions. So if you cannot follow directions then you will have a heck of a time trying to use it. I took it on a test run just so I could get a feel for it.
The only problem I had with it was that it wasn't connecting to the satelites in order for the GPS to work. I had to go back in and re-read the instructions.
*Note- If you want to use the GPS, make sure the power save mode is off because that mode interferes with the satelites.*
Once I figured out the satelites, it took several minutes for the watch to locate them, which kind of sucks if its cold outside. You have to stand still until it picks up on the satelites.
Also, make sure the GPS is turned off while you are inside because it will try to connect to the satelites and use up your battery life.
There are so many neat features on this watch but what I thought was so cool was auto-pause setting. This feature will pause your watch if you get below a certain speed. This is good for when you are at stoplights.
I also liked how the watch is set up to transmit your watch data wirelessly. Once transmitted, you can go on garmin connect and view your results.
This is a complicated device, but once you have it all set up and figured out, it's very easy to use. I really recommend this watch to anyone who wants something that will help them with their training and to track their progress. |
Superb - everything I had wished for
|
| Review Date: December 14, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Tal Sela, |
I've only had this watch for a week, but I'm so super impressed with it that I decided to write a review after just one run (10m/16k) and a few hours of 'playing around'. I must start by saying that this product, in contrast to what some reviewers had to say here, is super user-friendly. I have probably used, or at least gone over all of the functions it has to offer, and I did not even open the instruction manual once. If you know your way with gadgets, there is no reason why this shouldn't be a piece of cake for you.
I'm a marathon runner, and have used Polar RS200SD (with a foot pod) until I decided to step up to this little wonder. I didn't want to settle for a watch that can show 32.12 or 33.96 for the same 33km run on different occasions - I wanted one I could rely on for turning around on my long runs. Foot-pods just do not do that. The 405CX's GPS features are amazing - satellites are found in a matter of seconds, and throughout my run, I had 4m (12ft) accuracy. Even in my home I get 6-8m (18-24ft) accuracy. I ran 16km and turned around at the place I know is exactly 8km from the starting point. The Garmin showed 8.01, and by the time I was back it was 16.01.
The display is clear enough, and allows you to set up to 3 screens with 3 data-items each (choose from over 30, i.e. Speed, Avg-Speed, LastLap-Speed etc.), in addition to the HR screen (which is also configurable). The VP is very helpful if you're trying to keep a steady pace, and allows you to always be aware of how you're doing in comparison to the pace you desired. This is something I wish I had in my previous competitions.
Connection to the computer couldn't be easier, and I'm so happy to say goodbye to those stupid Polar 'SonicLink' sounds that belong to modems somewhere back in the early 90's. One of the best things about data transfer is that Garmin (unlike Polar) do not keep their data secret, meaning I can use any software I want in order to analyze my runs, and not have to settle on some stripped-down online tool, which does not even allow me to export its data in a format other than XML (Polar, again).
I could not be more satisfied with this watch. It isn't cheap, but if you're a runner who wants to know exactly where you are on your run, and be confident that the speed the watch is showing is correct - this is the way to go.
Way to go Garmin - You've earned an enthusiastic new fan! |
Don't Worry - You'll Love It!!!
|
| Review Date: January 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: B. Jeffrey Dekonty, Philadelphia PA |
It took me a while to "push the button" on buying this watch. It wasn't the money. The price is a bit salty and other units out there are reported to perform well. But I wasn't keen on running with a cell-phone-sized monster strapped to my wrist so that I could save a few bucks.
No, my hesitation was because some of the online reviews I'd read were critical of the watches functioning - particularly the bezel interface.
I'm here to tell you - Don't Worry! I've had an opportunity to put this thing through its paces on both ends of the climate spectrum, and it performed flawlessly.
In one week, thanks to a trip to South America, I was able to use the watch in 90 degree weather and 20 degree weather. The watch performed well with sweat, with gloves, with cold fingers and hot - no issues.
You do have to know what you're doing, so as we in high-tech jobs say - "RTFM." (Read the freakin' manual!). I recommend establishing your nine key metrics (three each on three screens), set the watch to auto-scroll and lock the bezel after hitting the start button. You're never more than a second or two from what you want to know, and if there's something you're particularly interested in, set it as a data point on more than one screen.
This watch can't be beat, and if you're even remotely serious about running, it's worth every penny.
|
|
